“As a festival, our responsibility is first and foremost to protect the integrity of the filmmaker and the platform we have created.
Responding to the development, Sayani Gupta also issued a statement denying any wrongdoing and maintaining that Aasmani is an original work.
"I want to begin by clearly stating that Aasmani is an original film.
Not because silence meant acceptance, nor because I had nothing to say.
But silence can sometimes bury the truth under noise."
“As a festival, our responsibility is first and foremost to protect the integrity of the filmmaker and the platform we have created. When a credible concern involving copyright and confidentiality is brought to our attention as a formal process is underway, as a team we collectively believe the responsible course is to step back from screening the film.”
D’Rozario emphasised that the decision does not constitute a legal judgment or a ruling on the validity of the allegations.
“Our decision is not a finding on the merits of the dispute, but rather a precautionary measure to ensure that TIFFNZ remains a fair, respectful, and trusted platform for filmmakers,” she added.
Responding to the development, Sayani Gupta also issued a statement denying any wrongdoing and maintaining that Aasmani is an original work.
"I want to begin by clearly stating that Aasmani is an original film. Till now, I chose not to speak. Not because silence meant acceptance, nor because I had nothing to say. Since the allegation was put forth before the appropriate authority, I followed due process and believed that facts should be placed there, and not tried through WhatsApp groups, inboxes or public opinion. But silence can sometimes bury the truth under noise."
